Wisconsin needs strong local journalism. Just like public libraries and community centers, local news is part of the fabric of a vibrant community. When you give to Wisconsin Watch’s newsrooms, you’re investing in reporting that helps people navigate their lives, be seen and heard, hold power to account and come together in community and civic life. Your support ensures that Wisconsin communities have access to accurate, in-depth and timely news about everything from public health and education to criminal justice and the environment.
The Watchdog Club and Leadership Circle bring our most engaged supporters closer to the work they make possible. They are a special communities of individuals, families and businesses who believe in the power of journalism to make Wisconsin stronger. These are Wisconsin Watch’s most loyal and generous annual donors, united by a commitment to truth, transparency and civic responsibility.
Why your support matters
Our mission is simple but urgent: “News that serves — using journalism to make the communities of Wisconsin strong, informed and connected.”
We can’t do it without you.
When you join the Watchdog Club or Leadership Circle, you’re supporting journalism that:
- Strengthens communities by exposing the root causes of complex problems and exploring solutions.
- Informs residents with trusted, nonpartisan reporting that helps them make decisions for themselves and their loved ones.
- Connects people by amplifying voices and perspectives across political and geographic divides.
Your support ensures that fair, independent reporting remains a public service — not a commodity — and that all Wisconsinites, regardless of ZIP code, have free access to the information they need to thrive. Every gift at this level directly fuels the reporting that informs policy, sparks dialogue and empowers citizens.
Member levels and benefits
Watchdog Club
Annual gift of $1,000 or more
Join a network of changemakers who believe that local investigative reporting is essential to a vibrant state and a healthy democracy. As a Watchdog Club member, you’ll receive:
- Invitations to intimate “behind the story” events with our reporters and national journalism leaders.
- Exclusive briefings and newsroom updates.
- Recognition as a valued supporter of Wisconsin Watch’s mission.
Past guest speakers include:
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Walt Bogdanich (The New York Times), Caitlin Dickerson (The Atlantic, formerly NYT) and Jonathan O’Connell (The Washington Post).
If you prefer to join via a check donation, our secure mailing address is:
WCIJ Inc./Wisconsin Watch (either will work), PO Box 88166, Milwaukee, WI 53288-8166.
Leadership Circle
Annual gift of $5,000 or more
Leadership Circle members take their commitment to the next level, helping us tackle ambitious investigations, expand multimedia storytelling and grow our training programs.
In addition to all Watchdog Club benefits, Leadership Circle members receive:
- Recognition as a cornerstone supporter shaping the future of nonprofit journalism in Wisconsin.
- A private lunch and newsroom tour with CEO Andy Pennington and Wisconsin Watch staff.
- Invitations to exclusive Leadership Circle gatherings with journalism leaders and thought partners.
If you prefer to join via a check donation, our secure mailing address is:
WCIJ Inc./Wisconsin Watch (either will work), PO Box 88166, Milwaukee, WI 53288-8166.
Your giving supports a full year of public service journalism and builds a legacy of accountability and transparency that will inform Wisconsinites for generations.
Questions?
Please reach out to Anna January, director of philanthropy, at ajanuary@wisconsinwatch.org or (608) 910-0665 for more information.
Thank you to our Watchdog Club members
Adam Balin and Karin Mahony • Judith Bentley • Linda Bernhardt • Ann Brill • Eileen Burke • Ms. Courtney Byelich • Dr. Marcus and Sheila Cohen • Betty and Corkey Custer • James Danky and Christine Schelshorn • Brian Davis and Deborah Umstead • Dr. Jean Espenshade • Mark and Sara Eversden • Don Ferber • Barbara Frank • Lewis Friedland and Stacey Oliker • Christopher and Erin Glueck • Andrew and Dee Hall • Dr. Philip and Janet Hasler • Jean Henderson • Tania Ibarra • Vince Jenkins and Stefanie Moritz • Margaret Jones and David Linton • L Jesse Kaysen and Nevin Olson • Drs. Douglas and Martha Lee • Walter Lethem and Mary Matthias • Charles Lewis and Pam Gilbert • Peter and Jill Lundberg • Richard Luxton • Roberto Michel and Karen Lincoln Michel • Regina Millner • Jack and Bonnie Mitchell • Brad Niemcek and Sharon Murphy • Dr. Elizabeth Neary • Carol O’Leary • Peters Family Foundation • Brook Soltvedt and David Nelson • George and Pam Stanley • Susan Troller Cosgrove and Howard Cosgrove • Michael Vinson • Thomas Warren and Anna Marie Benander Warren • Judith Werner • Brian Wielgus • Roger and Kristi Williams
Thank you to our Leadership Circle
American Journalism Project • American Press Institute • Arnold Ventures • Ascendium Education Group • Bader Philanthropies, Inc. • Bernard and Audre Rapoport Foundation • Borealis Philanthropy • Mary Burke • Lau and Bea Christensen • Emerson Collective and Silicon Valley Community Foundation • Karl and Angela Farnung • Wendy Fearnside and Bruce Meier • Deirdre Garton • Greater Green Bay Community Foundation • Greater Milwaukee Foundation • International Fact-Checking Network at Poynter Institute for Media Studies, Inc. • Institute for Nonprofit News (INN) • Jampart Charitable Trust • The Joyce Foundation • The Joseph and Vera Zilber Family Foundation, Inc. • Barbara Johnson • The Kelben Foundation • The Kingsbury Family Fund • David and Madeleine Lubar • Marquette University, Diederich College of Communication • Microsoft • Poynter Institute • Press Forward • Pro Publica, Inc • The Reva & David Logan Foundation • Report For America • Scripps Howard Fund, Roy W. Howard Fellowship Program • SeaChange-Lodestar Fund for Nonprofit Collaboration • University of Wisconsin – Madison, School of Journalism and Mass Communication • Wm. Collins Kohler Foundation